Daufuskie Island Distillery Tour — Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Discover the Daufuskie Island Distillery Tour in South Carolina

Located on historic Daufuskie Island between Hilton Head and Savannah, the Daufuskie Island Distillery Tour offers visitors a unique look at a small-batch island distillery producing handcrafted rum. This guided experience combines distilling insight with island history, taking place in a restored industrial building that reflects the island’s rich Gullah Geechee heritage.

Why it’s special:
This is one of the most remote distillery tours in the United States. Accessible only by boat, the experience blends craft distilling with a true sense of place—historic, rustic, and deeply connected to island life. Visiting feels less like a commercial attraction and more like stepping into a living piece of Lowcountry history.

History/Story of Daufuskie Island Distillery

Daufuskie Island Distillery was founded to revive the island’s long tradition of rum-making, which dates back centuries to the era of sea trade, sugar, and coastal commerce. Housed in a former oyster cannery, the distillery focuses on small-batch production and storytelling, preserving both traditional distilling methods and the cultural legacy of Daufuskie Island.

What You’ll See & Do on the Daufuskie Island Distillery Tour

• Tour a working small-batch rum distillery

• Learn how rum is fermented, distilled, and bottled

• See traditional distilling equipment in a historic setting

• Hear stories about island history and rum’s role in coastal trade

• Enjoy guided tastings of Daufuskie Island rum

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings and historical storytelling
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the distillery
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottle shop with rum, merchandise, and island-made gifts

Pricing of the Daufuskie Island Distillery Tour

Distillery tours require paid admission.
Pricing varies depending on tour and tasting options.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided distillery tour with tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round on select days
Audience: Adults 21+, spirit enthusiasts, cultural travelers
Accessibility: Limited; historic building and island terrain may be uneven
Safety & Restrictions: Valid government-issued ID required; 21+ only
Languages: English
Group & Private Visits: Group tours available by advance reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; plan ferry or boat transportation
Facilities: Distillery, tasting room, restrooms, outdoor seating
Closures & Downtime: Tours may pause due to weather or transportation issues
Working hours:

• Thursday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Monday–Wednesday: Closed

Nearby

• Daufuskie Island historic sites

• Gullah Geechee cultural landmarks

• Beach and nature areas

FAQs About Visiting Daufuskie Island Distillery

How do I get to the distillery?
Daufuskie Island is accessible only by ferry or private boat from Hilton Head or Savannah.

Is this a working distillery?
Yes. Rum is distilled and bottled on-site on Daufuskie Island.

Does the tour include tastings?
Yes. Guided tastings are included for guests 21 and over.

Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended due to limited capacity and transportation planning.

Is this experience family-friendly?
The distillery tour itself is geared toward adults 21 and over.